A pre-dawn home invasion in Clearwater ended in gunfire Friday morning, leaving an alleged intruder dead and a quiet Candler Road block turned into an active crime scene.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office says a man forced his way into a home on Candler Road, prompting a frantic 911 call about an armed break-in around 6:44 a.m., according to the Tampa Bay Times. Deputies responded to the call, and a deputy-involved shooting followed. The man was killed at the scene.
No residents or deputies were reported injured. Investigators have not released the suspect’s name or any possible motive.
Investigators Take Over Candler Road Scene
The shooting quickly shifted from emergency response to criminal investigation. Detectives with the Pinellas County Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force are now leading the probe, according to FOX 13.
Paramedics from Clearwater Fire and Rescue pronounced the suspect dead at the scene, local outlets reported. Crime scene tape and patrol cars bordered the street Friday morning as detectives documented the area and began interviewing witnesses.
What the Deadly Force Task Force Does
The Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force was set up to bring in detectives from multiple Pinellas County agencies whenever officers fire their weapons. The idea is to reduce any conflict of interest by having outside investigators handle the case instead of the agency directly involved.
As Bay News 9 has reported, the task force is made up of a rotating group of homicide detectives from several law enforcement departments across the county. Which team takes the lead depends on where the shooting happens.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation into the Candler Road shooting is active and ongoing. Detectives are asking anyone with information to come forward. Officials also say more details, including whether any charges will be filed, were not immediately available, and the suspect’s identity remained under wraps as the scene stayed under review Friday morning.
